Celebrating ‘First Gen’ students

SMSU holds 3rd annual event for first-generation students

MARSHALL -- Many students at Southwest Minnesota State University are part of the first generation in their families to attend college. In addition to pursuing new opportunities, first-generation students at SMSU say they've found community at the university.

On Thursday, SMSU celebrated First Gen Student Day with activities, links to university clubs and resources, and poster presentations from first-generation college students.

"It's a wonderful way to celebrate all of our students, and the work they did to get here," said Erin Kline, assistant vice president for equity and strategic partnerships at SMSU. Kline said more than 55% of the student body were part of the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college or university.

Poster presentations at the event shared some of the stories of current SMSU students, alumni and university employees.

Attending SMSU is "a really cool opportunity," said student Nuurto Ibrahim. Ibrahim is a first-generation college student studying biology and computer science. On her poster board, Ibrahim said being a first generation student was also something to feel proud of.

"When I see other first generation students around me, I see how much hard work it took for all of us to get to this point," she said on her poster. "It makes me proud that we all came this far and that we are creating new opportunities for ourselves."

One of the positive things about SMSU was the support networks available for first-generation students, Ibrahim said. Through groups like the university's First Generation Student Club, students help each other navigate things like studying and applying for financial aid.

"People here are so amazing," said Isiah Williams, a first-generation student studying physical education at SMSU. Williams and other SMSU students said having a friendly community, as well as mentors and support from university staff, were helpful as they started college. As a first-year student, Williams said, "It really makes it less stressful."

Williams, Mallory Molitor and Mareena Jepsen were among the SMSU students who joined in First Gen Student Day activities like making tie-dyed shirts with the slogan "I'm First."

Molitor said the number of first-generation students at SMSU, and the support resources available, have made a big difference in her college experience.

"I never thought I would have the opportunity to have a good sense of community in college," Molitor said.

On her poster board for First Gen Student Day, Molitor said programs like Access Opportunity Success helped her find a sense of belonging on campus.

Jepsen said being part of AOS, and building connections with others at SMSU, also made a difference for her.

"It's been really huge," she said.

Being a first-generation college student was something to celebrate, Molitor said.

"It's something you should be proud of," Molitor said.

Thursday's event went along with the National First-Generation College Celebration, which happens every year around Nov. 8. Sponsors at the SMSU event included the SMSU Provost's Office, Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Access Opportunity Success, TRiO/Upward Bound, Deeann Griebel Student Success Center, First Generation Student Club and the Office of Admission.